WAIMATUA RABBIT BOARD

Southland Times, Issue 25478, 26 September 1944, Page 3

WAIMATUA RABBIT BOARD

Sir, —Mr Thomas Hubber in his latest letter states that I have done nothing but descend to abuse. Where in my letters have I sunk so low? The shoe is surely on the other foot. In his previous letter he suggested that my war effort was not good, and when I pointed out that my increases would compare more than favourably with his he writes that I am running away from the subject. I’ll bet I’ve killed more rabbits during the war period than he has. Sir, I like that jewel of an explanation by him of the circular, but it is very poor indeed. He canvassed for support for Messrs Verity, Findlay and myself until he received the circular, but not after realizing our aims. Very nice indeed, but Mr Hubber’s subsequent actions proved that the statement is not correct. He will have to think of another. Why, however, has he not answered the last two questions? Regarding the suspension of;the two rabbiters, the position was that during the period I was acting as chairman the ■foreman interviewed me about these two men. We both discussed it with the late chairman of the board, and it was decided that I should go down and explain the position, which was that as there was no work available the board would have to dispense with their services. I pointed out at the same time that the other employees would get notice after the next board meeting in a few days’ time. At the next meeting, however, Mr Hubber “sold us the pup,” and I declined to interview the manpower officer who had asked for an explanation about these two men. I left it to Mr Hubber, whose explanation was not accepted by that officer. At the next meeting of the board these two men were asked to attend. Judge my surprise, however, when one of Mr Hubber’s supporters made the statement that he had interviewed (without our authority) these men, asking them to agree to getting a clearance from the manpower officer on condition that the board paid each of them approximately £3O in full settlement. What could the rest of us say or do? Now, sir, whose actions cost the board £6O? Also, what was Mr Hubber, as chairman, doing during the two or three weeks- these men were not working that he did not see they were given a job? Surely that was his duty, the same as it is today to carry out the wishes of the ratepayers as expressed at the election. Sir, he cannot twist it round that his policy is different from that of the old board because he has to do what the old board’s chairman tells him or get out. Mr Hubber’s position is far from a bed of roses as the board can only carry on by his agreeing with the other two members and using his casting and deliberative vote.

J. BOURCHIER. Mokotua, September 25, 1944.